WHELAN PRESSQ: Why is the WHELAN PRESS safer to use than other presses?
A: The WHELAN PRINTMAKING PRESS features a direct drive, stationary press bed. This means there are no dangerous chains or sprockets or bed stops to maintain. Also, the spring-loaded print roller allows up to 3/4" vertical movement, significantly reducing the risk of injury during printing. The large drive wheel requires the use of both hands to operate keeping hands away from the print roller during operation.
Q: How does the roller self-level?
A: The patented WHELAN PRESS spring force design allows the print roller to level itself to the press bed automatically. Level pressure is assured and made simple with the easy to read pressure gauges.
Q: Why doesn't the bed warp the way other press beds do?
A: By their very nature, traditional presses with their floating printmaking press beds will eventually warp due to lack of end and side support. The WHELAN PRESS has a solid stainless-steel stationary bed: All four sides of bed are fixed, allowing the natural flex of the bed to conform to the shape of the rollers. In other words, roller, plate and press bed act in concert.
Q: What are the differences between felts and rubber blankets?
A: Felts are relatively short lasting. They lose their shape, absorb moisture and lose compression. They are also easily torn, remain compressed and are expensive to replace. By comparison, rubber blankets last a long time, hold their shape and don't absorb moisture. They also don't retain compression. Made with a layer of durable nylon mesh, rubber blankets are less expensive and stronger. The Whelan Blanket system is a superior alternative to the traditional 3-felt approach and eliminates the need for separate pushing and forming blankets.
Q: Are the pressure gauges accurate?
A: Not only are the Whelan gauges accurate, they are intuitively placed and easy to read. The only etching press with actual pressure gauges, the WHELAN PRESS measures pressure by the compression of the steel disk springs, which is constant, measurable and repeatable.
Q: Why is the press wheel so large?
A: A large diameter drive wheel produces more advantage requiring less effort for the operator at high pressure settings. A large drive wheel is the safest configuration possible due to its two handed operation. It is more expensive to produce but it is well worth the investment.
Q: Does the WHELAN PRESS need to be leveled?
A: NO. Because of the stationary bed design, no-leveling is required giving you complete portability. You can even print on a hillside without affecting image quality or press performance.
Q: What are the major differences between the PRO and the XPRESS?
A: The XPRESS is the smaller printmaking press taking up less floor space and able to produce a 22x30" print. The Xpress PRO model is a full size printmaking press and will produce a 30x40" print. Both presses are designed for artists, schools and print studios needing to accommodate all print processes. Both presses are fully portable and designed to meet the most demanding print needs.